I was asked if I wanted to join Geoff on a bikepacking trip to test his gear prior to his big french trip, so after a couple of aborted attempts (mainly snow) we set off on a glorious sunny day.

Geoff had devised a route that would include a café stop,wildcamp, café stop, café stop & a campsite (& unbeknownst to me lots & lots of uphills)

After two big climbs out of Hayfield & up Rushup edge we dropped down the broken road & headed to Hope for the first café stop of the day for coffee & cake.

Once we were refueled we headed of to the ladybower area for a sneaky wildcamp, along the way we momentarily swapped steeds to compare the handling, I must admit that despite having little wheels Geoff’s Thorn handled pretty well 👍.

Once pitched & the bikes man handled down to the camp, we set about getting tea ready, for me it was a firepot Dal & rice with spinach, which was pretty tasty & spicier than I expected.

The following morning after being epic wild campers & consuming Adventurererers breakfasts we packed up & headed back to Hope for coffee & scones before setting off for Tideswell & lunch (it’s hungry work being epic Adventurererers).

Eventually (after more uphills than I can remember) we arrived at our campsite in Flagg & chillaxed until tea time.

After much coercing & arm twisting, Geoff eventually dragged me kicking & screaming to the pub for much deserved refreshments 😁

The following morning we headed off on the final leg of our epic bikepacking adventure (stopping for coffee at Buxton 😁)

The final major climb of the day was appropriately named ‘long hill’ and whilst it was long it was a reasonable gradient and the summit was soon reached.

The long climb was rewarded with a cracking descent that just seemed to go on forever with cracking views into the Goyt valley (a place I must revisit 👍)

The final few miles where along the canal & the Sett valley trail back to Geoff & Chrissie’s house for coffee & lunch. A cracking finish to a brilliant trip, thanks to Geoff & Chrissie for your hospitality & good luck Geoff on your french cycle ride 👍.